Blackstone Desert Camps hosts rally teams, support crews and overland expeditions on the black hamada around Smara, in Morocco’s Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region. We provide crew accommodation and meals, a place to park and service vehicles, and a licensed local guide who knows the tracks, wadis and villages of the province.
What we provide
- Crew tents, or the whole private camp for up to 12 people (larger teams on request)
- Hot meals timed to your schedule, including very early starts and late arrivals
- A watched area at camp for vehicles and equipment
- Water, shade and power to charge radios, phones and batteries
- Reconnaissance and route days with a licensed guide (licence no. 3489)
Driving the hamada
The plateau around Smara is stone, not sand. Tyre pressures, speeds and navigation are different from dune driving, and sharp rock is harder on tyres than on drivers. Tracks cross dry riverbeds that can flood after rare storms, fuel stations are far apart outside town, and mobile coverage fades quickly.
We brief every team on the terrain before departure and can drive ahead as a lead vehicle on the first day.
Authorisations and coordination
Group expeditions and events in the province usually need to be declared to the local authorities in advance. We explain what to prepare and put you in touch with the right offices. The organiser remains responsible for its own authorisations and insurance.
Getting to Smara with vehicles
Smara is linked by paved road to Laâyoune, about three hours west, and to the north of the country. Fuel, tyre repair and basic mechanics are available in town. Read more about access on the Visit Smara transport guide.
Questions travellers ask
Can you host a rally support crew for one night?
Yes. Send us your arrival time, the number of people and vehicles. Late arrivals and early departures are normal for us.
Do you rent 4x4 vehicles?
We do not rent self-drive vehicles. Our excursions come with a driver-guide, and we can arrange extra vehicles with drivers for groups.
Is off-road driving allowed everywhere around Smara?
No. Some areas are protected, private or restricted. We only route teams on tracks open to visitors, and always around archaeological sites, never over them.